Sharing the love of Jesus no matter what

There I sat, in my favorite coffee shop, relaxing…trying to write…when all of a sudden a voice said, “Mind if I sit with ya?”  I looked up and it was an old man that I have come to love named Mike. I said, “Sure bro…have a sit.”

Now, Mike is a great guy. He`s friendly, he loves a good conversation, I`d say he`s in his late 60`s and his whole gig in life is to hang out at the coffee shop and argue politics with anyone who will listen. I get a kick out of him most of the time but today he was angry…and quite frankly, I was in no mood for interruptions—I had a tone of work to do.

So, as Mike sat down he says to me, “Ya heard about that abortion doctor trial?” I thought to myself…”oh no, here we go.” And I basically told him that I had, and then, I tried to show some semblance of genuine interest in his question. That was all Mike needed to get his tirade of political ranting going. He was spewing the “F” bomb like a broken pipe spews water and all I could do was sit with a ghostly white face and stare into oblivion. I could feel every eye in the coffee house on me and my table.

Now, first and foremost, let me say that I am against abortion; however, I`m also against stealing, murder, lying, cheating, sexual immorality—do ya get the picture. BTW…I`m guilty of all of the above—or at least I was until Jesus set me free.

I sensed a chance to cut into his tirade for one second and interject some words of love and tolerance. I sensed a moment where I just needed Mike to hear from Christ. I said, “Mike, I hear ya my brother…but I know that if I am to help the sinners of this world find peace in Jesus…I have to approach them in love…not hate.”

It worked…he stopped dead in his tracks…calmed down…and changed the topic. I think it was the weather or something next (laughing). You see, I do think that politics has its place. I do think that abortion is the wrong answer to a serious problem—unplanned pregnancy. The thing is that I know that I cannot criticize, condemn, or complain to my fellow human beings if I then intend to share the Gospel of Christ in my next breath. That`s not to say that I endorse their sin or even ignore it altogether…it just means I need to meet them in love and mercy—that`s how Jesus met me…"while I was yet in my sin."

Today…I just want to love people. I want to learn to love them as Christ loves them. For me, I think the answer lies in the way I view my fellow man. Are they just people…flesh and blood…or are they the children of the living God whom he loved so very much—even in their sin—that he sent his Son to die on a cross for the atonement of sin. This view places tremendous value on my fellow man. It makes me value them and love them in spite of sin, insult, or injury.

Each day is a few steps forward and one or two backwards, but I will keep walking toward the finish line of the Kingdom. Praise the mighty name of Jesus.

Free Christian Concert by National Recording Artists `King James'

Their new single "Waiting for the King" is due to be released (Madison Line Records) on May 7th, 2013.

Here is a video of their launch party by Madison Line Records:

Bikers and Christ: How do you witness?

I recently read an article about Pastor Tom Hughes. Tom Hughes has been riding for more than 50 years. He rides to many of the larger rallies across the nation witnessing for Christ to other bikers. I saw a story about this during Daytona Bike Week that was written in the local newspaper (forgive me but I forget which one it was). I remember feeling guilty about my total lack of desire to do this type of thing. Many of my brothers in the motorcycle ministry that I now ride with went to Daytona—I did not want to go, the memories are too fresh for me.

I spent over 14 years on the road for my old club. I missed family events, my children growing up, and many other things. Most of this was my personal choice; however, when I became a regional officer in 2008—it became my duty. I have been to many of the big runs. I was clean and sober but I still lived like a 1%`er in many ways. I was not in a 1% club, but believe me, many clubs act as if they wear the 1% Diamond whether they do or not. I respect my 1% brothers. I have many friends who wear the diamond and I respect their lifestyle. They have their way of life, and I have mine. Many of them know if they need a prayer, a flat tire fixed, or a place out of the rain…I would give it in a minute, no matter the colors.

I may never be one to go into the public and witness…I don`t know, but I know the Lord gave me an ability to write and so I write. One year ago, my life made a dramatic change:

I was riding through the streets of my local hometown today thinking about how beautiful the day was as I rode. I thought about how much I love spring –the crisp air, blooming flowers, and general feeling of “life” and renewal.

My mind faded back one year. One year ago, at this time, my life was a wreck. I was in the middle of a horrible political battle in the club I rode with for 14 years. I was a regional officer and had the ear of the highest ranking officer in the club. I was trying to get him to see that a fellow officer was using his political power for personal gain, and that he was attacking my chapter for no good reason. It all seemed so important. It all seemed to be so worthy—none of it was.

I had given a great majority of my time, my money, my family, my self-worth, my loyalty, and at one time or another I almost gave my life for this cause. On May 19^th of 2012, a chapter brother of mine suggested we go to church the next morning and pray. For some reason…I agreed. On May 20^th of 2012 I was saved and came to the Lord Jesus.

My life went into a spiral of events over the next few months. I was banished from my club the very next weekend after I was saved. Members that I loved and trusted for over a decade became my enemies overnight. I was lost and in pain, I wanted revenge, I wanted justice—I needed Jesus.

Time takes time, and hurt takes time to heal. Jesus can heal us in a moment’s notice…unless we choose to hang on to the past. I held onto those hurts for months. My Pastor and others close to me listened, advised, and prayed. One day, I woke up, and my heart had changed. I no longer cared about the past and I had even began to pray for my old arch enemy in the club.

It`s funny how God works in our lives isn`t it. About this time, I received a call from a chapter brother from the old club. He said that he wanted to speak to me and he wanted peace between the old club and me. I agreed, and the process of amends and forgiveness took place. Some of the members accepted my amends—others scoffed—it made no difference to me because I did what was right, I cleaned my side of the street.

Today, I fly a Christian flag on my back. My top rocker says, “Jesus is Lord.” I realized today as I rode that there is no getting around that one. As I ride today or walk in public with that flag—I represent my Lord and nothing more. It helps keep the “old man” dead. I have never been a good witness for Christ but I`m trying to learn. I know that if nothing else, my actions are a witness. If I show genuine love, respect, and concern for those around me, then I am a disciple of Jesus.

It took me about 8 months to realize that God answered my prayer that day in May at the Alter. I prayed that morning saying, “God, please remove anything from my life that stands between you and I.” He did just that, but in a way of his choosing—not mine. Praise God for his wisdom and mercy. 

WP

Photo credit: www.vcstar.com 

Stepping out of our comfort zone

I wonder how many of you have experienced the fact that Jesus will make you do things you would normally never do. He will make you step out of your comfort zone—do you agree? Maybe it`s just me—I don`t know; however, I do know one thing for sure, and that is that I have learned to say yes when my heart—my will—says no.

My dear friend and pastor tries to teach me all the time that we must learn to “yield” our will to the Holy Spirit. This, I have found, often takes me out of my comfort zone on many levels. First, it requires me to “not” do things I would like to do. Second, it makes me do things I don`t want to do—I know—I`m a mess as most men are.

Today I stepped out of my comfort zone as asked. I was asked a few weeks back to volunteer as an aid to the local Special Olympics. Believe me, I`m not normally a man of virtue. I basically lifted my hand (simultaneously ducking my head) because so few in the room at that meeting seemed willing to commit. So, yes, I did it because of my codependent nature to feel guilty for others (laughing).

As the day in question approached I was so irritated that I had made this commitment. I dreaded it. Can I just be transparent here with you all for a second as I share this? I just plain did not want to go and I wasn`t sure if it was laziness or fear. I work a lot and I often over commit myself, only later to regret some commitment I have made, but it was something different than that—it was fear. I was afraid to deal with Special Needs Children.

I got up and headed out to the event on my motorcycle (it was 80 today). As I rode I prayed that Jesus would show me how to convey his love—not mine—to these special children. I arrived at the school and walked slowly toward the crowd looking for my pastor`s wife and my church group to receive my assignment. I never usually feel funny about my looks (Biker, tattoos, long hair and beard) when I go places because I have been in sales for years; however, as I walked up I was feeling a bit out of place. I felt that others would see my spider-web tattoo on my elbow and think the local jail had an inmate loose. That, of course, was not the case.

I was assigned to lead the High School (age) Soccer Kick Event. The opening ceremonies commenced with the pledge of allegiance and some remarks by the hosting school`s staff; this was followed by a parade of each schools` special needs athletes. As each school’s banner led the way of each group of competing athletes, I saw one young man in a wheel chair that was so disfigured that his head lay in his own lap. I began to think of how Jesus must have been moved to compassion, in so many cases, as he walked this Earth. How this compassion compelled him to heal the sick, disfigured, and blind. I wondered how he may have really felt inside about the overwhelming needs of the many. I wondered how deeply burdened he must have been to not have the physical time to heal everyone. But then, he must have known that his greater role as the Lamb of God would heal all men`s ills in the end—if they chose to believe in him.

All-in-all, it was a great event. I had a blast! These kids brought joy to my heart, and they had so much fun. Many of these kids were quite competitive, actually. On the way home I was thankful that once again the Lord had pulled me out of myself—out of my comfort zone. WP

Photo credit: http://www.sparklegrill.com/fun.php

Opinion piece: Of the world but not in the world

I have been thinking lately about that statement and what it means to me personally. I have so many dear Christian brothers and sisters that simply ignore the worlds issues, America`s issues, and take this scripture to such an extreme that they refuse to confront evil.

I was beginning to believe that I should never write about politics again. I began to explore my own heart on this issue and then it hit me: “What about men like Jay Sekulow (American Center for Law and Justice) and others?” What about the many brave Christian men and women that fight the tyranny of those who seek to destroy human rights; liberty, freedom, and individual sovereignty—do we, as Christians, stand by, and watch?

I decided that I should continue to do what God has given me a talent to do, and that is to write. I will write and write and write about the injustice, the hypocrisy, and the dangers of the left and Marxist tyranny. Were our founders not men of action? Were they all agnostic? No—certainly not, many of the founders were Christians.

They came to the Colonies to escape the King. They came to escape European tyranny in the form of the Monarchs and the feudal systems that enslaved them. They believed that individual sovereignty mattered and that it was divine in nature. I think of the people of Israel when they demanded a king—they got what they asked for—Saul. And it went down-hill from there.

It`s ok for those brothers and sister that choose to stay out of the fight to do so; however, don`t judge those of us who pick up the sword of freedom and human dignity. After all, it is the human experience. Men have fought for freedom for all of human history, against tyranny of one kind or another.

We have a man in the White House that is “fundamentally transforming America” as he said he would do in his election speeches of 2008. Anyone with an ounce of intellectual honesty can find his ties to Marxism, anti-Colonialism, and radical beliefs that are counter to American principles of Republican Government. This is not Conservative hyperbole—this is factual and documented information that no one in the media cared to explore in his first bid for the White House.

We who are in our 40`s or above have lived in a free and prosperous America—we know the difference. Our children and grandchildren will suffer horribly in their lives if we do not stop this Marxist juggernaut called Obama. They will not inherit the same America we once knew and which was passed on to us by our forefathers.  

Some will say, “This is Gods will.” It very well may be his will; however, it says in his word that “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NASB). I feel that as a Christian, and for the sake of my family and children, I must do all I can to fight tyranny in America. WP 

Christian Biker Dating website

I was doing some surfing and I ran across this site for Christian Bikers. It promotes dating for Christian Bikers. It also has some pretty good links as well. I don`t know much about this website but it seems to be focused in the right direction, as I surfed through it. I have heard about Christian singles sites that don`t exactly measure up to Christian principles—so—this is not a direct endorsement of the site—I simply wanted to share it with my readers. The site is ChristianBikerDating.com for those who would like to check it out.

I`m certainly no match maker, I have been legally married twice and call myself married to my current bride (we wear wedding bands as well). We found that the financial penalties of “legal” marriage would hurt our funding for college (what a shame, huh?) so we plan to officially tie-the-knot in the future.

I remember having a Christian Brother look down his nose at me when I explained this to him. He said, “You should obey God and get married.” I told him that we were every bit married in the eyes of God as anyone—we just don`t have a paper from the state saying so. I figure it like this: I was legally married twice and cheated on both my wives living as a heathen. It`s a bit late to worry about following the laws of Moses (laughing). I know God put this beautiful woman in my life, and I will be with her until the day I die. She knows it, I know it, and God knows it—that`s all that matters. Since I was saved I`m no longer a “whore-dog” so I figure I`m headed in the right direction.

Why am I sharing all this? I know my brothers and sisters in the wind. Many of you are just like me. You used to party, drink, fight, and have sex with whomever whenever. Christ came into your lives and everything was changed. Some of us were already single. Some of us had to divorce our spouses because they would not change. The Church often gives a conflicting message to believers about divorce. Now that I am in Christ, I will not divorce unless there is infidelity, abuse, or abandonment as the bible says. I do believe it is wrong to divorce for convenience even though I did it twice. I think once you are divorced and saved that the Church should not judge that. But once saved—we have to behave different and try to work things out. Like I said—I`m the example of what you don`t do so don`t think I`m an expert (laughing).

In 2 Corinthians 6:14 Paul writes, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” I believe that we should find like-minded wives and husbands as we walk our new lives in Christ. Paul also tells us not to burn with lust or passion—it is better to get married (1 Corinthians 7:9).

So, I hope this will help a few of my brothers and sisters in the wind find that special Christian someone that God has awaiting you. God bless. WP

 Photo credit: ChristianBikerDating.com 

Food for thought and other ramblings from a saved biker

I was thinking about the word “judgment” recently in light of all the political attacks against Christians in the debate on same sex marriage. I`m not sure where to start because so many thoughts run through my head, but let me preface this post with a short story.

I have a dear friend who is a mighty man of God. He is doing great work in the body of Christ and for the coming Kingdom of Heaven. I respect him tremendously, and his love of Jesus is true and very real. I saw his reaction one day to a political discussion. I was not paying any particular attention to this, it`s just that as a biker, and as a man who was trained to watch people to survive, I never miss body language—I always watch things even when I don`t have to—it’s a habit. I couldn`t help but notice his complete rejection of the topic; his total lack of interest and disdain for the subject was easy to see in his body language and facial expressions. Moments later, as the conversation continued, he made the statement that he hated politics, TV, anything to do with this world. He cited a scripture referring to the fact that we are in the world but not of the world (basically, I think he meant Romans 1:2)

Now, the question in my mind is this—is that wrong? Not necessarily; however, I don`t think it`s completely responsible either. I think we have a God that made men to build civilizations and societies filled with people. In that, I also think we are supposed to use the Gospel, and our God given talents, to advance the Kingdom if possible within our society and our government, respectively.

To tie this together: my earthly human/political side tells me that Gays deserve legal protection under the law; on the other hand, my Christian faith is solid about the fact that homosexuality is a sin. On that note, so is adultery, so is theft, so is abuse, so is murder…and on…and on…

Did you ever start a diet and on the second day or so see someone eating a pile of greasy French fries and think, “How can they eat that crap?” Is it not funny how the moment we do something good, or change our behavior to something resembling morality—we begin to judge others? Pride tells us not to look in the mirror, but instead, to look at others.

I must admit, I`m confused a bit on this issue of politics and faith. God is not the author of confusion, so I must be under attack—I don`t know. What I do know is that Jesus died for sinners. I know he told us to make disciples of others. I know that he said we should love the Lord God above all things, and our neighbors as we love ourselves. I know he said I must not judge because God alone holds that authority. But, I also know I must not deny Gods word when asked. If someone asks if something is a sin—I must answer him or her in truth and in the spirit from the word of God. Homosexuality is a sin—period. The question is whether or not it is any different than the long list of sins Paul spoke of in Romans. Is it not a worse thing that they are not believers? What is worse—to be in sexual sin (or sin of any kind), or to not know Christ? How can I preach the Gospel to people that I greet with a curse?

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul speaks about not judging those who are in the world. He basically says that it is Gods business; however, we can judge those within the body of Christ who are living in some form of sin (1 Corinthians 5:9-12).

  

WP

Photo Credit: www.willride4you.org